George Kittle refutes report that OTA absence is related to contract

Responding to recent reports that George Kittle has been absent from voluntary San Francisco 49ers practice due to an issue with his current contract, the six-time Pro Bowl tight end posted, "Your source is incorrect" on X on Wednesday.

Recent reports, including one by The Athletic on Wednesday, have indicated Kittle is seeking a new contract to become the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Kittle is entering the final year of a five-year, $75 million deal he signed in 2020 and reportedly has a hefty $22 million salary cap figure.

While his current deal made him the highest-paid tight end when he signed it, its $15 million AAV now is the fourth-highest at the position, per OverTheCap. The Arizona Cardinals' Trey McBride is the highest paid, having signed a four-year, $76 million deal earlier this month.

The Athletic reported that, per a league source, the Niners' extension offers to Kittle have thus far been declined. The report added that no trade request has been made, but other teams are tracking the situation.

Kittle, 31, was a Pro Bowl selection and named a second-team All-Pro last year, when he caught 78 passes for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns. It was the second-most receiving yards he had posted in a season in his eight-year career. His 31 touchdowns over the past four seasons are tied for the most among tight ends, along with the Baltimore Ravens' Mark Andrews.

--Field Level Media